Glossophobia or speech anxiety is the fear of public speaking or of speaking
in general. The word glossophobia comes from the Greek γλῶσσα glōssa, meaning
tongue, and φόβος phobos, fear or dread. Many people only have this fear, while
others may also have social phobia or social anxiety disorder.
Stage fright may be a symptom of glossophobia.
Symptoms Symptoms include:
intense anxiety prior to, or simply at the thought of having to verbally
communicate with any group, avoidance of events which focus the
group's attention on individuals in attendance,
physical distress, nausea, or feelings of panic in such circumstances.
The more specific symptoms of speech anxiety can be grouped into three
categories: physical, verbal, and non-verbal. Physical symptoms result
from the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system responding to
the situation with a "fight-or-flight" reaction. Since the modus operandi, or
method of operating, of the sympathetic system is all-or-nothing, adrenaline
secretion produces a wide array of symptoms at once - all of which are
supposed to enhance your ability to fight or escape a dangerous scenario. As
Garcia-Lopez has noted, these symptoms include acute hearing, increased heart
rate, increased blood pressure, dilated pupils, increased perspiration,
increased oxygen intake, stiffening of neck/upper back muscles, and dry mouth.
Some of these may be alleviated by drugs such as beta-blockers, which bind to the
adrenaline receptors of the heart, for example. The verbal symptoms include a
tense voice, a quivering voice, and vocalized pauses—which tend to comfort
anxious speakers. One form of speech anxiety is dysfunctional speech anxiety,
in which the intensity of the fight-or-flight response prevents an
individual from performing effectively. Many people report stress-induced speech
disorders which are only present during public speech. Some glossophobics have
been able to dance, perform in public, or even to speak or sing if they cannot
see the audience, or if they feel that they are presenting a character or stage
persona rather than themselves. Being able to blend in a group can also
alleviate some anxiety caused by glossophobia.
It has been estimated that 75% of all people experience some degree of
anxiety/nervousness when public speaking. In fact, surveys have shown
that most people fear public speaking more than they fear death. If untreated,
public speaking anxiety can cause serious detrimental effects on people in
general, and undergraduate students in particular, as it may prevent them from
accomplishing their educational goals. A recent study conducted by Garcia-Lopez,
Diez-Bedmar, and Almansa-Moreno has reported that previously trained
students could act as trainers to other students and help them to improve their
public speaking skills. Help and relief
Training courses in public speaking and/or organizations such as Australian
Rostrum, Toastmasters International, POWERtalk International, and Association
of Speakers Clubs can help people to reduce their fear of public speaking to
manageable levels. Self-help materials that address public speaking are among
the best selling self-help topics. To temporarily treat their phobia, some
affected people have turned to certain types of drugs, typically beta blockers.
A speaker's anxiety can be reduced if they know their topic well and believe
in it. It has been suggested that people should practice speaking in front of
smaller, less intimidating groups when they're getting started in public
speaking. Additionally, focusing on friendly, attentive people in the
audience has been found to help. Many suggest that speakers should remember to
not take themselves too seriously, and further suggest that they should remind
themselves if they make a mistake that there is a good chance the audience
won't have noticed. Gaining experience in public speaking often results in it
becoming easier for the person. Loosening up a "tough crowd" by asking
questions promotes audience participation. A speaker may also find
this exercise to be helpful when their mind "goes blank", as it gives them time
to regain their train of thought. See also
Selective mutism List of phobias
References Rothwell, J. Dan. In The Company of
Others: An Introduction to Communication. New York: McGraw Hill,
2004.